Life in 55 Words

ONE

“What?! You’re just sixteen! People will think I can’t provide for my family.”

“It’ll be good for my future, I’ll learn so much. Please?”

“I’ll become the laughing stock of town. I’ve said no, discussion over.”

The child fell silent, spirit crumpled under the weight of society’s disapproval.

TWO

“Aarti, I hate law! I want to be a singer!”

Arnav’s fists were clenched, eyes shooting fire. The law library which four generations of lawyers in his family had built, stood aloof witness to his desperation.

“Dad wouldn’t let you break the family tradition.”

In a fit of maniacal rebellion, Arnav remembered his father’s revolver.

THREE

On an impulse, I left some ice cream in my bowl. She was looking at me. Holding her glance, I put the bowl down saying, “I’m done.” She cleared the table and I followed her into the kitchen. She was licking my bowl with unabashed relish. She saw me and grinned impishly.

She loved me!

FOUR

“You and Rohan are very good friends, aren’t you?”

“Yes we are, why?”

“No, I mean… you’ve risen so rapidly through the ranks in barely six months!”

“It takes hard work, not bed work, to reach where I have Sunayna. You must try it sometime.”

The buzz in the conference room was slashed off. Silence!

FIVE

Five years ago: “Dad left you his valuable stamp collection because he knew you loved it. You sold it to pay for my education. You’ll have a bigger collection one day brother, I promise.”